Back to: Computer Science JSS 3
Welcome to class!
In today’s class, we shall be talking about digital divide and features of the old economy. Please enjoy the class!
The “digital divide” refers to the gap between those who have access to and the skills to use digital technologies and those who don’t. To truly understand this gap, we need to compare it to the economic landscape before the digital revolution – the old economy.
Digital Divide – Features of the Old Economy
- Physicality: Everything revolved around physical presence and interaction. Business happened in offices, factories, and stores. Communication relied on letters, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings.
- Time and Space Constraints: Activities were limited by distance and travel time. Information dissemination was slow and restricted, often relying on physical copies of documents or news broadcasts.
- Labor-intensive: Manual labor and physical processes dominated industry. Automation was limited, and tasks were often repetitive and time-consuming.
- Limited Information Access: Knowledge was restricted to physical libraries, educational institutions, and specialized professions. Access to information was not readily available to everyone.
- Slower Growth and Change: Innovation and economic progress were gradual and incremental. Businesses primarily completed within local markets, with limited global reach.
How the Digital Divide Emerged:
With the rise of computers and the internet, a new economy emerged. This new landscape challenged the features of the old economy:
Digital Revolution: Information became digitized and readily accessible through computers and the internet. Physical barriers were overcome by virtual connections.
Globalized Marketplace: Businesses could reach wider audiences and compete internationally. Information and collaboration transcended geographical boundaries.
Automation and Skill Shift: Manual labor decreased as automation and technology-driven processes became more prevalent. New skills and digital literacy became essential for employment.
Knowledge at Your Fingertips: Information access became democratized. Libraries, educational resources, and communication tools became readily available online.
Fast-paced Innovation: Technological advancements and economic changes accelerated, bringing both opportunities and challenges.
The digital divide is not just a technological issue; it’s a societal and economic challenge. By understanding its roots and working towards solutions, we can create a more equitable and inclusive future for everyone.
We have come to the end of today’s class. I hope you enjoyed the class!
In the next class, we shall be discussing the features of the new economy.
In case you require further assistance or have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below, and trust us to respond as soon as possible. Cheers!
Question Time:
- Which of the following features is NOT characteristic of the old economy?
- a) Physical limitations in communication and information access
- b) Globalized marketplace and international trade
- c) Reliance on labor-intensive and repetitive tasks
- d) Limited availability of knowledge and educational resources
- The development of the internet led to:
- a) increased physical barriers to economic activity
- b) democratization of information access and communication
- c) slower pace of innovation and technological advancement
- d) decline in the importance of digital literacy skills
- A major factor contributing to the digital divide is:
- a) affordability and accessibility of technology
- b) lack of awareness about the benefits of technology
- c) absence of cultural resistance to digital adoption
- d) all of the above
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